Swimmer sets new Channel record

German athlete Christof Wandratsch has set a new world record for swimming the English Channel.

He swam the 32km from Calais to Dover in seven hours, three minutes, and 52 seconds, shaving 14 minutes off the 1994 record.

Mr Wandratsch, 38, said: "I am very happy, and I am completely exhausted after this swim, but it's good."

He said he might consider attempting to beat his own record, but not before he has had a rest and a holiday.

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Mr Wandratsch was watched over by two members of the Channel Swimming and Piloting Federation on board his support boat, to make sure he stuck to the rules.

The English Channel is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world.